TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Joshua 13 verses 7–33
Here we have, I. Orders given to Joshua to assign to each tribe its portion of this land, including that which was yet unsubdued, which must be brought into the lot, in a believing confidence that it should be conquered when Israel was multiplied so as to have occasion for it (Jos 13:7): Now divide this land. Joshua thought all must be conquered before any must be divided. "No," said, God, "there is as much conquered as will serve your turn for the present; divide this, and make your best of it, and wait for the remainder hereafter." Note, We must take the comfort of what we have, though we cannot compass all we would have. Observe,
1.The land must be divided among the several tribes, and they must not always live in common, as now they did. Which way soever a just property is acquired, it is the will of that God who has given the earth to the children of men that there should be such a thing, and that every man should know his own, and not invade that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right, by the law of equity, not of arms.
2.That it must be divided for an inheritance, though they got it by conquest. (1.) The promise of it came to them as an inheritance from their fathers; the land of promise pertained to the children of promise, who were thus beloved for their fathers' sakes, and in performance of the covenant with them. (2.) The possession of it was to be transmitted by them, as an inheritance to their children. Frequently, what is got by force is soon lost again; but Israel, having an incontestable title to this land by the divine grant, might see it hereby secured as an inheritance to their seed after them, and that God kept this mercy for thousands.
3.That Joshua must not divide it by his own will. Though he was a very wise, just, and good man, it must not be left to him to give what he pleased to each tribe; but he must do it by lot, which referred the matter wholly to God, and to his determination, for he it is that appoints the bounds of our habitation, and every man's judgment must proceed from him. But Joshua must preside in this affair, must manage this solemn appeal to Providence, and see that the lot was drawn fairly and without fraud, and that every tribe did acquiesce in it. The lot indeed causeth contention to cease, Pro 18:18. But, if upon this lot any controversy should arise, Joshua by his wisdom and authority must determine it, and prevent any ill consequences of it. Joshua must have the honour of dividing the land, (1.) Because he had undergone the fatigue of conquering it: and when, through his hand, each tribe received its allotment, they would thereby be made the more sensible of their obligations to him. And what a pleasure must it needs be to a man of such a public spirit as Joshua was to see the people that were so dear to him eating of the labour of his hands! (2.) That he might be herein a type of Christ, who has not only conquered for us the gates of hell, but has opened to us the gates of heaven, and, having purchased the eternal inheritance for all believers, will in due time put them all in possession of it.
II. An account is here given of the distribution of the land on the other side Jordan among the Reubenites, and Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh. Observe,
1.How this account is introduced. It comes in, (1.) As the reason why this land within Jordan must be divided only to the nine tribes and a half, because the other two and a half were already provided for. (2.) As a pattern to Joshua in the work he had now to do. He had seen Moses distribute that land, which would give him some aid in distributing this, and thence he might take his measure; only this was to be done by lot, but it should seem Moses did that himself, according to the wisdom given unto him. (3.) As an inducement to Joshua to hasten the dividing of this land, that the nine tribes and a half might not be kept any longer than was necessary out of their possession, since their brethren of the two tribes and a half were so well settled in theirs; and God their common Father would not have such a difference made between his children.
2.The particulars of this account.
(1.)Here is a general description of the country that was given to the two tribes and a half, which Moses gave them, even as Moses gave them, Jos 13:8. The repetition implies a ratification of the grant by Joshua. Moses settled this matter, and, as Moses settled it, so shall it rest; Joshua will not, under any pretence whatsoever, go about to alter it. And a reason is intimated why he would not, because Moses was the servant of the Lord, and acted in this matter by secret direction from him and was faithful as a servant. Here we have, [1.] The fixing of the boundaries of this country, by which they were divided from the neighbouring nations, Jos 13:9, etc. Israel must know their own and keep to it, and may not, under pretence of their being God's peculiar people, encroach upon their neighbours, and invade their rights and properties, to which they had a good and firm title by providence, though not, as Israel, a title by promise. [2.] An exception of one part of this country from Israel's possession, though it was in their grant, namely, the Geshurites and the Maachathites, Jos 13:13. They had not leisure to reduce all the remote and obscure corners of the country in Moses's time, and afterwards they had no mind to it, being easy with what they had. Thus those who are not straitened in God's promises are yet straitened in their own faith, and prayers, and endeavours.
(2.)A very particular account of the inheritances of these two tribes and a half, how they were separated from each other, and what cites, with the towns, villages, and fields, commonly known and reputed to be appurtenances to them, belonged to each tribe. This is very fully and exactly set down in order that posterity might, in reading this history, be the more affected with the goodness of God to their ancestors, when they found what a large and fruitful country, and what abundance of great and famous cities, he put them in possession of (God's grants look best when we descend to the particulars); and also that the limits of every tribe being punctually set down in this authentic record disputes might be prevented, and such contests between the tribes as commonly happen where boundaries have not been adjusted nor this matter brought to a certainty. And we have reason to think that the register here prescribed and published of the lot of each tribe was of great use to Israel in after-ages, was often appealed to, and always acquiesced in, for the determining of meum and tuum - mine and thine.
[1.]We have here the lot of the tribe of Reuben, Jacob's first-born, who, though he had lost the dignity and power which pertained to the birthright, yet, it seems, had the advantage of being first served. Perhaps those of that tribe had an eye to this in desiring to be seated on that side Jordan, that, since they could not expect the benefit of the best lot, they might have the credit of the first. Observe, First, In the account of the lot of this tribe mention is made of the slaughter, 1. Of Sihon, king of the Amorites, who reigned in this country, and might have kept it and his life if he would have been neighbourly, and have suffered Israel to pass through his territories, but, by attempting to oppose them, justly brought ruin upon himself, Num 21:21, etc. 2. Of the princes of Midian, who were slain afterwards in another war (Num 31:8), and yet are here called dukes of Sihon, and are said to be smitten with him, because they were either tributaries to him, or, in his opposition to Israel, confederates with him, and hearty in his interests, and his fall made way for theirs not long after. 3. Of Balaam particularly, that would, if he could, have cursed Israel, and was soon after recompensed according to the wickedness of his endeavour (Psa 28:4), for he fell with those that set him on. This was recorded before (Num 31:8), and is here repeated, because the defeating of Balaam's purpose to curse Israel was the turning of that curse into a blessing, and was such an instance of the power and goodness of God as was fit to be had in everlasting remembrance. See Mic 6:5. Secondly, Within the lot of this tribe was that Mount Pisgah from the top of which Moses took his view of the earthly Canaan and his flight to the heavenly. And not far off thence Elijah was when he was fetched up to heaven in a chariot of fire. The separation of this tribe from the rest, by the river Jordan, was that which Deborah lamented; and the preference they gave to their private interests above the public was what she censured, Jdg 5:15, Jdg 5:16. In this tribe lay Heshbon and Sibmah, famed for their fruitful fields and vineyards. See Isa 16:8, Isa 16:9; Jer 48:32. This tribe, with that of Gad, was sorely shaken by Hazael king of Syria (Kg2 10:33), and afterwards dislodged and carried into captivity, twenty years before the general captivity of the ten tribes by the king of Assyria, Ch1 5:26.
[2.]The lot of the tribe of Gad, Jos 13:24-28. This lay north of Reuben's lot; the country of Gilead lay in this tribe, so famous for its balm that it is thought strange indeed if there be no balm in Gilead, and the cities of Jabesh-Gilead and Ramoth-Gilead which we often read of in scripture. Succoth and Penuel, which we read of in the story of Gideon, were in this tribe; and that forest which is called the wood of Ephraim (from the slaughter Jephthah made there of the Ephraimites), in which Absalom's rebellious army was beaten, while his father David lay at Mahanaim, one of the frontier-cities of this tribe, Jos 13:26. Sharon, famous for roses, was in this tribe. And within the limits of this tribe lived those Gadarenes that loved their swine better than their Saviour, fitter to be called Girgashites than Israelites.
[3.]The lot of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Jos 13:29-31. Bashan, the kingdom of Og, was in this allotment, famous for the best timber, witness the oaks of Bashan - and the best breed of cattle, witness the bulls and rams of Bashan. This tribe lay north of Gad, reached to Mount Hermon, and had in it part of Gilead. Mispeh was in this half-tribe, and Jephthah was one of its ornaments; so was Elijah, for in this tribe was Thisbe, whence he is called the Tishbite; and Jair was another. In the edge of the tribe stood Chorazin, honoured with Christ's wondrous works, but ruined by his righteous woe for not improving them.
[4.]Twice in this chapter it is taken notice of that to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance (Jos 13:14, Jos 13:33), for so God had appointed, Num 18:20. If they had been appointed to a lot entire by themselves, Moses would have served them first, not because it was his own tribe, but because it was God's; but they must be provided for in another manner; their habitations must be scattered in all the tribes, and their maintenance brought out of all the tribes, and God himself was the portion both of their inheritance and of their cup, Deu 10:9; Deu 18:2.
With whom: That is, with the other half of that same tribe.
Continue studying Joshua 13:8 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Joshua 13:8 functions as a vital parenthetical clarification within the broader narrative of Israel's land distribution, explicitly stating that the tribes of Reuben and Gad had already secured their inheritance. This territory, situated east of the Jordan River, was allocated to them by Moses, God's faithful servant, prior to the main division of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The verse thus underscores the seamless continuity of divine command from one leader to the next and powerfully reaffirms God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His ancient covenant promises concerning the land.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Joshua 13:8 is Repetition, specifically the emphatic re-statement of "as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them." This repetition serves a crucial rhetorical purpose: to underscore the divine authority and unquestionable legitimacy of the Transjordanian land allocation, thereby removing any potential doubt about its validity or permanence. This also functions as a form of Emphasis, drawing the reader's attention to the foundational nature of Moses' role and the reliability of God's promises, which were already being tangibly fulfilled. By reiterating Moses' action and title, the verse highlights the Continuity of God's redemptive plan from one leader to the next, demonstrating that Joshua's current task is a direct continuation of the divine work initiated by his predecessor. The verse also implicitly uses Geographical Delineation to clearly distinguish the Transjordanian inheritance from the land west of the Jordan, effectively setting the stage for the detailed distribution to follow in subsequent chapters.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:8, while seemingly a simple geographical and historical note, carries profound theological weight. It powerfully affirms God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The land, promised to Abraham generations earlier (Genesis 15:18), is now being meticulously distributed, even acknowledging prior arrangements. This demonstrates God's meticulous care and precision in fulfilling His word, leaving no detail overlooked and ensuring His promises are brought to fruition. Furthermore, the repeated mention of "Moses the servant of the LORD" highlights the continuity of divine authority and leadership. Moses, as God's chosen instrument, established these inheritances, and Joshua, as his successor, is commanded to honor them. This continuity assures Israel that God's plan is consistent and reliable, transcending individual leaders and reinforcing the singular divine will behind the entire process. The verse also subtly touches on the theme of divine order and provision, showing that God orchestrates every aspect of His people's lives, from their conquests to their settlements, ensuring each tribe receives its rightful place according to His sovereign and benevolent plan.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 13:8 offers rich ground for personal reflection and contemporary application, reminding us that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering commitment to His promises. Just as He meticulously oversaw the division of the land for the tribes of Israel, acknowledging and honoring past arrangements made through Moses, so too does He orchestrate the details of our lives. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem complex or when we are in a season of transition, much like Israel moving from conquest to settlement. We can find profound comfort in knowing that God remembers His past dealings, faithfully brings His purposes to fruition, and ensures that His will is accomplished through successive generations. It also prompts us to appreciate the spiritual inheritance we have received through Christ, which is far greater and more enduring than any physical land. This inheritance, secured by God's faithfulness, is a foundation upon which we are called to live, serving as a powerful reminder that our present blessings and opportunities are often built upon the faithful work and legacy of those who came before us, much like Joshua built upon Moses' foundational leadership.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Joshua 13:8 included if the land was already given?
Answer: Joshua 13:8 is included for several crucial reasons, serving as more than just a historical footnote. First, it functions as a legal and historical acknowledgment of the prior arrangements made by Moses. As Joshua transitions from military conquest to the complex task of land distribution, it is vital to clearly delineate which territories have already been allocated. This prevents confusion, avoids potential disputes, and ensures that the tribes of Reuben and Gad (and by broader implication, half-Manasseh) are not overlooked or re-assigned. Second, it profoundly emphasizes the continuity of divine authority. By explicitly stating that "Moses the servant of the LORD gave them" this inheritance, the verse reinforces that Joshua's current task is not a new, unrelated endeavor but a direct continuation of God's overarching plan. It seamlessly links Joshua's leadership directly to Moses' foundational work, underscoring the divine legitimacy and consistency of the entire process. Finally, it highlights God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through successive generations of leaders, demonstrating that His word is reliable and His plans are meticulous, as seen in the detailed accounts of Numbers 32 and Deuteronomy 3.
Which tribes received land "beyond Jordan eastward"?
Answer: The tribes that received their inheritance "beyond Jordan eastward" (also known as the Transjordan region) were primarily the Reubenites and the Gadites, as explicitly stated in Joshua 13:8. Additionally, the half-tribe of Manasseh also received territory in this region, though they are not explicitly named in this specific verse. Their inclusion in the Transjordanian settlement is consistently mentioned elsewhere in the biblical narrative (e.g., Numbers 32:33 and Joshua 12:6). These tribes chose to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River because the land was particularly suitable for their large flocks and herds. In exchange for this early allocation, they committed to helping the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan, demonstrating a unity of purpose within the broader Israelite community.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 13:8, with its emphasis on a divinely appointed inheritance given by Moses, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Moses, "the servant of the LORD," acted as God's mediator to secure a physical inheritance of land for Israel, so Christ, the greater Moses prophesied in Deuteronomy 18:15, serves as our ultimate mediator, securing for us an eternal, spiritual inheritance. The land of Canaan, though a tangible blessing and a testament to God's faithfulness, was ultimately but a shadow of the true and lasting inheritance believers receive in Christ—a spiritual kingdom, adoption into God's family, and eternal life (Ephesians 1:11 and Colossians 1:12). This inheritance is not earned by human effort, tribal lineage, or military conquest, but is a free gift, "obtained" for us through Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross (1 Peter 1:3-5). Furthermore, just as the Transjordanian tribes received their land by Moses' authority, so all believers receive their spiritual blessings and access to this inheritance by the supreme authority of Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). The meticulous fulfillment of the land promise in Joshua foreshadows the even more precise and certain fulfillment of all God's promises in Jesus, in whom "all the promises of God find their Yes" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Our inheritance is not merely a piece of land, but a profound relationship with God and a future in His eternal kingdom, secured by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.